Last Minute Ideas For Experiencing The Eclipse In New England

03.04.2024 - 20:31 / forbes.com

New England has eclipse fever. Of course there are themed cocktails and viewing parties, but small towns in the path of totality are girding themselves for some apocalypse-level craziness. A Facebook post from the Plainfield, Vt., (pop. 1,236) Department of Emergency Management and Hazard Mitigation warns residents not to attempt to drive on highways or rely on cell phones, because visitors will be “totally unaware that our cell networks can't handle the traffic.” The post also suggested locals prepare for strangers knocking on their doors, looking for help or bathrooms.

Long story short, you don’t want to be knocking on a stranger’s door, and you’re already way too late to book a hotel room anywhere actually in the path of totality. So don’t brave the roads with the hundreds of thousands of people who are expected to hit northern Vermont and the far reaches of Maine on the big day when Boston will see a not-too-shabby 93 percent coverage, while the White Mountains in New Hampshire will enjoy more than 99 percent – plus the possibility of some spring skiing, thanks to the nor’easter plowing across the region.

Here are five places that you can still book where you can experience more than 90 percent coverage.

Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa (99.9% totality): Gaze upon the surrounding White Mountains as the sky slowly darkens. With spacious grounds, two fire pits serving up s’mores, and a veranda with views of the mountains and sky, this will be a memorable once-in-a-lifetime experience. All guests will receive complimentary eclipse glasses. Plus there might be snow leftover from the nor’easter. Rates start at $329; 101 Mountain View Road, Whitefield, N.H., 855-837-2100

Grand Summit Hotel at Attitash (99.0% totality): Located in the Mt. Washington Valley, this ski-on and ski-off hotel is offering complimentary eclipse glasses and goodies to all guests. Enjoy the spectacle from the outdoor heated pool and hot tub, or gather around one of the fire pits. They might even open the Tiki Bar, depending upon the outdoor conditions. Rates start at $129; 104 Grand Summit Road, Bartlett, N.H., 603-374-6700.

The Lincoln (96 percent totality): I love this boutique hotel in the center of Biddeford, Maine’s amazing food scene – built in a revitalized nineteenth-century mill, it respects the building’s roots, history and architecture while installing thoroughly modern amenities. This property is offering travelers the Moon Shadow Package, including an exclusive party on hotel’s 360-degree-view rooftop on April 8 from 2:30-4:30 p.m., along with two pairs of eclipse viewing glasses, two drink tickets for eclipse-themed cocktails, complimentary bites, and early check-in on April 8. Rates start at $259; 17 Lincoln St.,